Study of 500 Millionaires Reveals the Most Common Trait For Success

July 1, 2015

The biggest difference between a millionaire and non-millionaire might be more than just the money — it could be a mindset.

Napoleon Hill’s most famous personal development book, “Think and Grow Rich,” was published in 1937 and has since become one of the best-selling books of all time. In it, Hill lists 13 proven steps that fundamentally transform a regular mindset into a millionaire mindset.

The book is based off of Hill’s research on the habits and patterns of 500 millionaires, including Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and Charles Schwab. What Hill found particularly interesting when studying the group was that the most central character trait differentiating a millionaire’s mind from a regular mind was decisiveness. Hill wrote:

“Analysis of several hundred people who had accumulated fortunes well beyond the million dollar mark disclosed the fact that every one of them had the habit of reaching decisions promptly.”

Out of Hill’s 13 principles, mastering procrastination was number seven.

“Those who reach decisions promptly and definitely know what they want, and generally get it … The world has the habit of making room for the man whose words and actions show that he knows where he is going.”

According to Hill, the most important factor to being successful in making money is strong decision-making. In order to improve decision-making confidence and quickness, Hill advises:

“Keep your eyes and ears wide open — and your mouth closed — if you wish to acquire the habit of prompt decisions. Those who talk too much do little else. If you talk more than you listen, you not only deprive yourself of many opportunities to accumulate useful knowledge, but you also disclose your plans and purposes to people who will take great delight in defeating you, because they envy you.”

Although Hill passed away over four decades ago, his legacy lives on. Leaders, athletes and entrepreneurs all over the world continue to take inspiration from the words he wrote.

“Tell the world what you intend to do, but first show it.”

h/t: Business Insider

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